The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 is one of the best 17-inch professional photo printers on the market, offering pigment-based inks, borderless printing, and excellent long-term reliability—perfect for photographers and fine-art professionals who demand gallery-grade results.

Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 is available now on Amazon. 

1.   Introduction: Elevating Your Photography with the Best Professional Photo Printer

Every photographer knows the frustration of capturing a stunning shot, only to have it fall flat when printed. Colors look dull, details fade, and the print just doesn’t do justice to the original vision. That’s why having the best professional photo printer isn’t a luxury—it’s essential.

Enter the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100, a 17-inch large format inkjet printer built for professionals who demand precision, permanence, and gallery-worthy results. With its pigment- based LUCIA PRO II ink system and Chroma Optimizer, this printer delivers prints that truly hold their depth, whether on glossy, matte, or fine art paper.

As technology experts with over 20 years of experience in hardware and application research and development, we deeply analyze each product based on real-world performance, durability, and value for money. Our goal is to help you find the best product in every category—budget, performance, reliability, and long-term usage. For this review, our recommendations are based on extensive research, component analysis, real-world usability, and industry expertise.

So, who is this printer for? Professional photographers, fine art creators, and serious enthusiasts who want more than just “good enough” prints. If you need a dependable tool for large-format photo printing that holds up to professional standards, the Canon PRO-1100 deserves your attention.

And here’s why this review matters: too many articles gloss over critical details like ink cartridge capacity, print permanence, or paper handling. But those things matter when you’re working at a professional level. In this Canon PRO-1100 review, we’ll cut through the fluff and show you exactly where it shines, where it falls short, and how it stacks up against rivals like the Epson SureColor P900.

2.   Technical Specifications at a Glance

Specs aren’t just numbers—they decide if the printer can keep up with your workflow.

Here’s what the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 brings to the table:

 What this means for you: large prints stay sharp and consistent, even on heavy fine-art paper. And with borderless printing, you won’t need to trim or mount unless you want to.

3.   Why This Review Matters

Shopping for the best printer for photographers can feel like running through a maze. Every brand promises “professional quality,” but what really matters is how the printer holds up when you push it to its limits.

Most reviews skip the details that working photographers care about:

• How often do you need to swap inks?
• Does it handle thick art paper without jamming?
• Will prints stay true to color years down the line?

Most reviews just echo spec sheets. Here, I’ll focus on what really matters—how it performs day- to-day, how durable it is, and what it’ll cost to run. And since many creatives compare Canon vs. Epson, we’ll break down exactly how the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 stacks up against its closest rival, the Epson SureColor P900.

If you’re serious about investing in a wide-format photo printer, you deserve more than a marketing pitch. You need answers—and that’s what this review delivers.

4.   What You’ll Learn from This Blog

Here’s what we’ll cover in this Canon PRO-1100 review:

• Technical Excellence: How the LUCIA PRO II pigment inks and Chroma Optimizer deliver consistent, gallery-ready
• Practical Applications: Why this printer isn’t just for show—it’s built for fine art printing, exhibitions, and high-volume professional photo
• Comparison Insights: A side-by-side look at how the PRO-1100 compares to the Epson SureColor P900 and Canon’s earlier PRO-1000
• Tips for Success: Simple ways to optimize your workflow and get the most out of your
• Who It’s For: Whether you’re a professional photographer, fine-art creator, or advanced hobbyist, we’ll help you decide if this desktop photo printer fits your

5.   Diving Deep: Features and Performance of the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100

5.1   LUCIA PRO II Ink System: The Heart of High-Quality Photo Printing

The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 is powered by the LUCIA PRO II ink system, a 12-ink setup (11 colors plus Chroma Optimizer) that sets it apart as the best professional photo printer. Each 80mL PFI-4100 ink cartridge—Matte Black, Photo Black, Gray, Photo Gray, Red, Blue, Magenta, Photo Magenta, Cyan, Photo Cyan, Yellow, and Chroma Optimizer—delivers vibrant colors and deep blacks.

The Chroma Optimizer, a clear ink, enhances gloss uniformity, reduces bronzing, and ensures long-lasting photo prints with up to 200 years of fade resistance when stored properly. This makes it ideal for fine art printing and archival work, whether you’re using glossy paper or matte paper.

Thanks to the LUCIA PRO II inks and Chroma Optimizer, the PRO-1100 delivers vibrant, durable prints that photographers and artists can count on.

5.2   Uncompromising Photo Print Quality

With a maximum resolution of 2400 x 1200 dpi and Canon’s FINE printhead technology (18,432 nozzles), the PRO-1100 delivers high-resolution printing that captures every detail. Its wide color gamut excels in reproducing vibrant landscapes, subtle skin tones, and deep blacks, making it the best printer for fine art prints.

Black-and-white photography, often a challenge for inkjet printers, shines here, with smooth gradients and rich contrast. The printer’s ability to handle both glossy and matte paper printing ensures versatility for any project.

You get sharp, vibrant prints with excellent grayscale detail—exactly what pros expect from a serious inkjet printer.

5.3  Advanced Paper Handling for Large Format Photo Printing

The PRO-1100 supports a variety of media, from glossy photo paper to thick fine-art canvas, up to 17 x 25 inches via the top tray and 17 x 129 inches through the manual feed slot (0.7mm thickness).

The Air Feeding System grips each sheet with a vacuum, keeping it steady so ink lands exactly where it should. Borderless printing up to 17 x 22 inches adds a professional touch, ideal for gallery displays. However, the lack of a roll paper holder may disappoint those needing continuous printing, where the Epson SureColor P900 has an edge.

The PRO-1100’s Air Feeding System ensures flawless alignment for large prints, but its lack of roll paper support makes it less versatile than some competitors.

5.4  Anti-Clogging Technology for Reliable Performance

Clogged nozzles can derail high-volume photo printing, but the PRO-1100’s anti-clogging technology minimizes this issue. Sensors monitor nozzle conditions, automatically rerouting ink to functioning nozzles if a blockage occurs. This reduces ink waste and downtime, making it a reliable professional photography printer. To further prevent clogs, print every 60 hours to avoid unnecessary cleaning cycles.

5.5   Seamless Connectivity and Photography Workflow

The PRO-1100 offers Hi-Speed USB, Ethernet, and dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz/5GHz), ensuring flexibility for any studio setup. Mobile printing is supported via the Canon PRINT app, Apple AirPrint, Mopria, and PIXMA Cloud Link, making it easy to print from smartphones or tablets. The 3.0-inch color LCD simplifies navigation, though it’s not a touchscreen.

The Professional Print & Layout software is a standout, integrating with Canon’s Digital Photo Professional, Adobe Photoshop, and Lightroom for a seamless photography workflow. It offers precise color matching and layout tools, ensuring your prints match your screen. Additional tools like Media Configuration, Color Calibration, and Accounting Manager help track ink usage and maintain consistent output.

With Wi-Fi, USB, and robust software, the PRO-1100 integrates effortlessly into professional workflows, making it the best printer for photographers.

5.6   Performance and Print Speed

The PRO-1100 prioritizes quality over speed, taking about 4 minutes for a 17 x 22-inch bordered color print and 2 minutes 25 seconds for a 13 x 19-inch print. The L-COA PRO image processing engine  handles large files efficiently, ensuring  high-quality photo  printing without compromising detail. It won’t win speed races, but for pros who care about precision, it’s spot on.

Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 is available now on Amazon. 

6.   Real-World Insights: How the PRO-1100 Performs

Photographers rave about the PRO-1100’s ability to produce gallery-quality prints, especially for black-and-white and fine-art work. Its wide color gamut and deep blacks make it the best printer for fine art prints, while its versatility with glossy and matte paper printing suits diverse projects.

Some users report minor smudging on smaller prints (e.g., 8 x 10 inches), which can be mitigated with careful media selection and maintenance. Compared to the Epson SureColor P900, the PRO-1100’s 80mL ink cartridges offer better value for high-volume photo printing.

The PRO-1100’s larger ink cartridge capacity saves money for high-volume printing, though minor smudging issues require attention.

7.  Practical Considerations: Setup, Size, and Sustainability

At 71.4 pounds and 28.5 x 17.1 x 11.2 inches, the PRO-1100 is a substantial desktop photo printer requiring a sturdy desk wider than 28 inches. Setup is user-friendly, guided by on-screen prompts, though installing the printhead and 12 ink cartridges demands care.

Its energy-efficient design (38W during operation, 1.2W in standby) earns it an Energy Star certification and EPEAT Gold rating. Canon’s commitment to sustainability includes renewable energy in production and a free ink cartridge recycling program, enhancing its appeal for eco- conscious creators.

The PRO-1100 is eco-friendly and energy-efficient, but requires significant desk space and careful setup.

8.   Comparison with the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000

The PRO-1100 builds on its predecessor, the PRO-1000, with the LUCIA PRO II inks, dual-band Wi-Fi, and improved scratch resistance. If you own a PRO-1000, upgrading may not be necessary unless you need enhanced color gamut or print permanence. For new buyers, the PRO-1100 is the better choice, though the PRO-1000 is often cheaper (around $999 with rebates).

9.   Who Should Choose the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100?

This professional inkjet printer is perfect for:

• Professional Photographers: Its photo print quality and wide color gamut make it the best Canon photo printer for fine art and commercial
• Fine-Art Creators: Support for thick media and matte paper printing suits gallery-quality
• Enthusiasts with High Standards: Hobbyists seeking a printer for large prints will appreciate its

It may not suit:

• Roll Paper Users: The Epson SureColor P900 is better for continuous
• Beginners: Its $1,300 price and complexity are overkill for casual
• Small Studios: Its size demands a dedicated

10.    Tips to Maximize Your Canon PRO-1100 Experience

1. Print Regularly: Print every 60 hours to prevent clogs and save
2. Choose Quality Media: Use Canon Pro Platinum paper for optimal glossy or matte paper printing
3. Calibrate Colors: Leverage the Color Calibration tool for consistent
4. Use Software Tools: The Professional Print & Layout software enhances your photography
5. Stock Up on Ink: Keep spare PFI-4100 cartridges and an MC-20 maintenance tank to avoid

11.    Conclusion: Why the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 Is the Best 17-Inch Photo Printer

The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 is the best professional photo printer for those who prioritize high-quality photo printing and long-lasting photo prints. Its LUCIA PRO II inks, Chroma Optimizer, and Air Feeding System deliver unmatched precision, making it the best wide format printer for fine art printing and large format photo printing.

While its lack of roll paper support and occasional smudging on small prints are drawbacks, its overall performance and ink economy make it a top choice for professional photographers and artists.

The PRO-1100 is built for pros who want gallery-quality prints with spot-on colors and long- lasting durability.

Ready to elevate your photography with the best large-format photo printer?

The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 is available now on Amazon. Purchase the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 here and start creating stunning prints today.

Have experience with this printer or thoughts to share? Drop a comment below—we’d love to hear how the PRO-1100 fits into your photography workflow!

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